Apartment Movers: Key Points
- The flat rates for moving a one- or two-bedroom apartment depend on items moved, stairs/elevator access, and distance
- If you’re on a tight budget or are moving partially, you may decide to opt for hourly rates: 2 movers for $130/hour, 3 movers for $200/hour, and 4 movers for $230/hour
- Other factors also can affect cost: moving date, season, and special items like pianos or aquariums
- To save money on your NYC relocation, move midmonth/midweek, declutter, prep in advance, and be ready when movers arrive
NYC’s 8.48 million locals are frequently changing apartments. Are you among those planning a move and wondering how much it’ll cost?
In this guide, you’ll find:
- How much it costs to move a one-bedroom apartment
- The cost for moving a two-bedroom apartment
- Factors affecting cost
- Tips to save on your move
Moving your 1- or 2-bedroom NYC apartment? Imperial Movers can help
Average Moving Costs in NYC: One-Bedroom Apartment
Moving costs for a one-bedroom apartment in NYC can vary by company but typically fall within the $500-$1,200 range.
Some companies will only share their rates when officially contacted or in private consultations.
At Imperial Movers, we’re transparent about our prices. For a one-bedroom apartment move, we charge $500–$1,000.
The range covers various factors, such as:
- Your inventory volume
- Flights of stairs
- Whether there’s an elevator in the building
- How long it takes to travel between your old and new home
- If there are items that need special care like mirrors, art, or electronics
The flat rate pricing is a good option if you want to know the total amount for your move in advance.
Need more flexibility? We’ve thought about you, too! We’re introducing our hourly pricing option for instances when your move is small or you’re moving partially, you’ve done your own packing, or your budget is tight.
You’ll only pay for the time we actually use to move your one-bedroom apartment.
- 2 movers: $130/hour
- 3 movers: $200/hour
- 4 movers: $230/hour
All hourly moves include gas, insurance, furniture wrapping, and loading/unloading.

Hourly rates give you more flexibility and budget control
Average Moving Costs in NYC: Two-Bedroom Apartment
Have a bigger place to move? A two-bedroom apartment means more items and more planning.
The flat rates offered by Imperial Movers for this type of move range from $1,000 to $2,000, which is well within the typical industry range.
You can also choose our hourly rates if you want to feel more in control of your time and budget.
A typical two-bedroom move takes 4–6 hours, depending on access and services. This means:
- 3 movers for 5 hours = $1,000
- 4 movers for 5 hours = $1,150
Smart tip: Booking more movers is pricier, but it reduces the total move time and reduces fatigue, which can impact efficiency, especially in buildings with no elevator access.
Key Factors Affecting Moving Costs
Not sure what the price range means? Consider the following:
Apartment Accessibility
If your old or new apartment is in a building with narrow hallways and no elevator access, moving will require more time and labor.
Distance
If you are moving further or there’s heavy traffic, this can extend hourly jobs.
Apartment Size
Bigger apartments typically have more furniture, like couches and wardrobes, which means more labor and time.
Day of the Week
Moving on weekends is pricier because most people don’t work during weekends and tend to go for this option. End-of-the-month moves also come with high costs, as this is the time when leases start or end, making it the most natural moving time.
Season
NYC’s peak moving season is from May through September, a period characterized by high demand and the highest prices. Check out when’s the best time to move to NYC.
Special Items
If you need to move items like pianos or aquariums, this comes with extra care and materials for safe transportation.
Tips To Save on Your NYC Move
Wondering how to keep your NYC moving costs under control?
- Move midweek or midmonth to benefit from lower prices.
- Declutter before you pack, as moving less means paying less.
- Pack the easy stuff like clothes and books, and let the movers handle the fragile or heavy items.
- Source boxes from local stores for the things that are not valuable and don’t require special packing materials and techniques.
- Book in advance to avoid last-minute fees.
- Be ready when movers arrive to minimize delays, especially if you are paying the hourly rates.
Find more about moving to New York and NYC moving costs.

Following a few easy tips when moving can save you a lot of money
How To Find Reliable Apartment Movers Near You
Moving apartments is not just moving things from one place to another. It’s moving your life, with all those boxes full of treasured memories you can’t afford to lose or break.
Don’t trust a random company you’ve looked up on the internet.
- Look for registered and insured movers who will take care of every box and package.
- Check Google reviews and ratings to see what clients are saying.
- Go for movers who offer pricing transparency, as this will help you plan your expenses and avoid surprise fees.
- Ask about available equipment like trucks, dollies, blankets, and wraps that will ensure a safe and efficient move.
- Check if the company provides packing and storage services to simplify your move.
Apartment Movers: Key Takeaways
- Imperial Movers offers transparent flat or hourly rates to suit your moving needs and budget.
- Expect to pay $500–$1,000 for a one-bedroom and $1,000–$2,000 for a two-bedroom move in NYC.
- If your move is small or partial, choose hourly rates, as they will give you more flexibility and you’ll pay only for the time you use moving services.
- Distance, traffic, and special care items can affect moving costs.
- Cut moving costs by decluttering, packing some of the items on your own yourself, and booking moving services early.
Need Help Moving Your Apartment? Call Imperial Movers
With years of hands-on experience across all boroughs, Imperial Movers has become one of NYC’s most trusted moving companies for various types of relocations, including one- and two-bedroom apartments.
We offer:
- Transparent pricing models.
- Rates including gas, labor, wrapping materials, and insurance.
- Well-trained and background-checked professionals.
- Full-service convenience, from packing and furniture disassembly to last-minute storage.
- Friendly and efficient service with the utmost care for every customer.
“Moving your NYC apartment might seem overwhelming,” says Tony, Lead Mover at Imperial Movers. “That’s why you need professional movers like Imperial, who can ensure an easy and fast relocation. We recently helped a client, Maria, move from her one-bedroom from Manhattan to Brooklyn. She felt stressed at first but was amazed at how smooth the process was once we took over.”
Have delicate furniture or art? Imperial Movers will handle them with care
Apartment Movers: FAQs
Not found the answer to your question? Check out the section below for more insights.
How early should I book movers in NYC?
Book movers at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance, especially if you’re planning a move during peak moving seasons. This will ensure there are movers available, and you’ll benefit from lower rates.
What hidden costs should I look for?
There can be various hidden costs, for example fees for stairs or elevator use, long carry distances, last-minute scheduling, and storage. Make sure you get a detailed quote and clarify what’s included.
Is moving special items like mirrors or electronics mor expensive?
Yes, moving fragile or specialty items like mirrors, large TVs, artwork, or pianos often comes with extra charges, as these items need additional packing and care when handled.
Need to move your NYC apartment? Call Imperial Movers